"IN City": When Rap Meets Jazz

September 4, 2024 | Tokyo, Japan | Team RJHH

Wednesday, September 11th, is the day we’ve all been waiting for the EP ‘IN City‘ release. This unique artistic endeavor brings together two exceptional talents from the Japanese music scene: MC Toshiki Iwama, also known as Liberal, a vital member of the group SANABAGUN, and Yusuke Nakamura, the creative force behind the band BLU-SWING, operating under the pseudonym ynkmr for this project. Their combined efforts form the exciting duo Liberal x ynkmr.

A Unique Blend of Rap and Jazz Sounds

“IN City“ stands out for its harmonious fusion of two musical worlds: Liberal‘s rap and ynkmr‘s refined sound, drawing from jazz and neo-soul’s essence. This project showcases the boundless creativity of both artists, offering a rich and immersive musical experience. The EP contains seven tracks, including the previously released song “Renovation feat. Kenchinmin“ and a new track titled “Beautiful Day“. The track “Renovation” features the rapper from Oita, Kenchin Min, as a special guest. The song is a captivating musical dialogue where the respective visions of Liberal and Kenchinmin intertwine, reflecting perspectives on life and personal growth. This energetic and inspiring track brings a true synergy between the two MCs, adding a unique touch to the entire EP.

A Polished Music Video for “Renovation”

With the release of the EP, the music video for “Renovation feat. Kenchinmin“ has also been unveiled. Directed by Hidetoshi Shimizu of Broth Works and Fumiyuki, the video is visually captivating, enhancing the song’s intimate and urban atmosphere. Through carefully selected imagery, the video highlights the human and reflective dimension of the track while perfectly fitting into the modern and urban aesthetic of the EP. To celebrate the release of this EP, a special concert will take place at Shimokitazawa SPREAD on Thursday, September 26th. Fans of Liberal x ynkmr will have the opportunity to experience a live performance, offering a unique glimpse into this artistic project.